5 creative strawberry snacks to start 2018 off right

(BPT) - 2018 is the year of the snack. But when hunger hits, where should you turn? The same old processed foods might satisfy you for a minute, but what if you could grab something sweet that's also loaded with the nutrients you need to fuel you through to your next meal?

Strawberries are packed with cold-busting vitamin C, heart- and brain-healthy antioxidants, and are naturally sweet but still low in sugar. Here are five creative strawberry snacks to help you leave junk food in the past.

1. Quick and Easy Strawberry Toasts

With combinations galore, these Quick and Easy Strawberry Toasts are great snacks for adults and kids alike. And because one serving of eight strawberries contains less than half the sugar of an apple, it’s a snack you can feel good about eating.

2. Strawberry Balsamic Bites

Three ingredients and three steps. It doesn’t get much easier than these Strawberry Balsamic Bites. And not only are they simple to make, but with more vitamin C than an orange in a single serving of eight strawberries, they can help boost your body’s immune system during cold-and-flu season.

3. Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bars

When just getting out the door on time is a challenge, eating a healthy breakfast often falls to the bottom of the priority list. These grab-n-go Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bars can help you start your day off right or provide an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a guilt-free snack.

4. Strawberry and Avocado Tostadas

If you’re craving something sweet and savory, replace tomatoes with strawberries in these Strawberry and Avocado Tostadas. The minced jalapeño and chili powder give this snack a kick, and the use of our favorite berries means you’ll get a dose of potassium, which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure.

5. Vietnamese Strawberry Spring Rolls

These Vietnamese Strawberry Spring Rolls skip the fryer in favor of a healthy, elegant alternative. You’ll also get an antioxidant boost from the strawberries, which have been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels.